Friday, November 8, 2013

The Best St. Louis Comedy Shows: November 2013

Baseball came and went, the holidays are quickly approaching and there's a good chance you're in need of a good laugh. Funny Events offers you the spectrum, from sure thing hilarious to fingers-crossed, "Oh God! I hope this works." Consider this your connection to sketch, standup, improv and everything in between and out of the box.

The Blackout Diaries isn't necessarily a novel idea in the comedy hemisphere. Drinking and a lack of self-control are regular themes in ye ol' comedy world, but hey, it's all about delivery and co-producer Matty Ryan has got it down pat. Alongside pal and veteran Chicago comic Kenny DeForest of the Nicest Guys in Town these two deliver stories and boozie-adventures will be nothing less than a laugh escapade.

The basement in Brennan's is proving to be one of the best makeshift comedy rooms in the city. It's small, narrow and you may have to cozy up to a stranger, but comics seem to feed off and capitalize on the "We're uncomfortable too" vibe. For a couple of comics that are as savvy behind the microphone as they are a twelve ounce bottle this room will surely amplify their performances.

Bare Knuckle Comedy is currently St. Louis' longest standing sketch, improv, and standup comedy endeavor, and now they've taken it back to the beginning with an open mic, in the spirit of finding your own true funny. It's all up for grabs once you get behind the mic. Variety is encouraged, new ideas are frivolously attempted and even the weird has a place at O'Shay's. Shoot, you can even bring in the short video you made. But be warned, in such an open and forward-thinking environment, someone is bound to fail at the expense of preparation. But that's what an open mic is all about; practice. Because unlike rock & roll, a killer riff isn't a killer riff until there's someone else around to respond.

Four time World Champion, New York Times best-seller and stand-up comic Mick Foley is dropping into the Funny Bone for one night only this month. He doesn't ignore nor rely on the fact that his wrestling career is the cause for a following in his new line of work, but rest assured Foley is no hack. Physical demands aside, a transition from wrestling to comedy isn't really that far of a stretch. With the added bonus of being an accomplished writer already under his championship belt, it's really a recipe for awesome.

If you're a WWE fan, it all makes perfect sense. If you're not, well, it's like watching Wayne's World 2 before the original. You might feel a little out of touch but you'll figure it out.